A Tenuous Betrothal ~ Review

A Tenuous Betrothal

Royal Regency #3
By Jen Geigle Johnson

What can I say - I love this series and Rhianna (Rhi) Davies is a perfect new potential daughter-in-law/wife to join the royal family of Oldenburg. There is just one small issue neither she nor Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg even knew they were betrothed. Mhm, so big problem as neither cares to be wed to a perfect stranger.

The perfect solution to their shared dilemma? Why a season in London to show Rhi around so she could find a possible love match of her own choosing, with Prince Marc's assistance, of course. What could go wrong? 

Plenty starting with the fact that after those first awkward moments the two actually seem to like each other. But Marc is firm - he can't take a wife while there is danger around. Oldenburg needs his skills and he won't marry and leave a wife to wonder if he would return from a mission. Nope as perfect as Rhi seems to be for him - marriage is out of the question.

When circumstances dictate a change of plans, Rhi finds herself in Oldenburg where she finds she has an unexpected connection to both the country and the royal family. But she has been promised by the king to one of his sons, so with Marc declaring he cannot marry, Rhi is expected to give the remaining unwed sons a chance to win her hand, if not heart.

I enjoyed this book in both print and audio so that was fun. I love the audio as it says the words so I can hear them as I read along. (Or just listen as I commute to work) This story is lovely and sweet. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking clean-reading Regency. The characters are realistic with a depth that brings them to life. I love the blend of the fictional with the historic as it plays well off of each other. 

Now ideally you will have read the first two books in the series, but if you haven't the story can be read as a standalone title.  I loved the narration by Luone Ingram, she brought the story to life and I think she presented Rhi and Marc perfectly. The story was well paced and engaging.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book (print) with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

The Dreaming Beauty ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Dreaming Beauty

An Enchanted Regency Romance

By Anneka R. Walker

Tansy White's life is cloaked in mystery - she's been raised by her three aunts since her mother's death nearly fifteen years ago. Any questions she's had about her parents have gone unanswered. She knows nothing about her father, even his name. And then there are her dreams - memories of the past and premonitions of the future. Her aunts claim the family is cursed and when her heart is broken by the man she thought loved her she just might agree with them. 

Marcus Taylor has been pursuing private research focusing on dreams. He has been haunted by nightmares for most of his life. He needs to understand so that he can free himself from the power they hold over him. For the past year, he has been managing the estate of his brother Simon, the Duke of Westmorland, while he's abroad in America. A most fortunate circumstance when he stumbles upon a young woman unconscious in the library. 

A late-night walk starts a friendship between Marcus and the ladies of Rose Cottage. Could there be something more than friendship and troubling dreams between Marcus and Tansy? All his life Marcus has been told Simon must marry first, but Tansy White could tempt him to put himself first. 

The Dreaming Beauty is a Regency retelling of Sleeping Beauty that is a lovely story. First, we have three aunts raising their orphaned niece. Second, we have a delightful cottage sort of hidden away in the woods. And in a nod to the Disney version, there is a nod to the pink dress. Or was it blue? 

There are references to the Masked Baron who had his own book. This book is a standalone title that does not need to have The Masked Baron read to enjoy this book. But The Masked Baron is a book you may want to pick up after reading this one (it's an enjoyable, easy read too). This is a lighthearted, easy read that has moments that will make you laugh and others that will exacerbate you. This is a clean read Regency romance that is an excellent introduction to Anneka R. Walker's work if you have not read her before.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this boo with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Dreaming Beauty 

Series: Standalone follow-up to The Masked Baron 

Author: Anneka R. Walker 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: July 11, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Regency / Fairy Tale 

Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love . . . 

 Tansy White doesn’t want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts’ suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets.

Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother’s estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she wakes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their pasts, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams . . . or their fate? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub  

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anneka Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and history. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she is busy living her own with her husband and adorable children.

Connect with Anneka by visiting annekawalker.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, 

The Dreaming Beauty, signed bookplate, 

matching bookmark, stickers, and button!

The full tour schedule is linked below.

The giveaway begins at midnight on August 15, 2022, and will last 

through 11:59 PM EST on August 22, 2022. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Midnight's Budding Morrow ~ Review with Excerpt and Giveaway

Midnight's Budding Morrow

Regency Wallflowers #2

By Carolyn Miller

Midnight's Budding Morrow is the second book in Carolyn Miller's Regency Wallflowers series. Now if you haven't read the first book in the series that will in no way affect or reading or enjoyment of this book. And if you love your Regency fiction with a touch of Gothic intrigue you will want to move this one up to the top of your Summer TBR list - yes, it is that good. I have read all of Carolyn Miller's Regency fiction from Kregel and have never been disappointed and, in my opinion, each has been better than the previous book.

But I'm sure you want to learn more about the story that this delightful cover adorned. First off, we meet Sarah Drayton, who is an orphan from a good family, just not one of wealth or title. At the urging of her dearest friend Beatrice Langley, Sarah is about to visit the Langley home in Northumberland. There is just one little problem with her visit with Beatrice. Bea's brother James, with whom Sarah recently had a most uncomfortable public encounter, has come home, begging funds from his father. But to get the funds for his accumulating debts James must marry a woman of his father's choosing. Unfortunately, for James and Sarah, Sarah is the chosen bride. 

Sarah is determined to make the best of the situation she finds herself in. She is going to make a place for herself on the Langley estate but the staff and neighbors see her as a less than desirable addition to the family, the home, and the community. How can she improve the home she has been given if she is given little to no respect. And when her husband returns from war will he still hold her in disdain? 

James knows his father blames him for the loss of his mother. And then there is the drinking and gambling that find him causing public disgrace, as his first meeting with Sarah aptly proves. Is it possible to repair the damage he has caused or will he stay trapped in this endless cycle of dependence?

Not to give away anything that will detract from your enjoyment of the book but there are a couple of secondary characters that are just Uggggggghhhh! Superior attitude, cruel streak, and just overall unlikeable.

Overall this was a highly enjoyable book, but I will admit I did need tissue for a scene or two. So I would recommend this for home reading and not your lunch break at work. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?

Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

Click here to read an excerpt.

About the Series:

While most stories set in Regency England focus on the rich, the young, and the beautiful, award-winning author Carolyn Miller decided she wanted to give readers something different for a change. Her new Regency Wallflowers series follows the commoners, away from the hustle and bustle of 1810s London, out in the Lake District of England. She tells the stories of women who are slightly older and have few prospects for marriage, women who might be considered “wallflowers.”

Midnight’s Budding Morrow is the second book in the Regency Wallflowers series. The first book in the series is Dusk’s Darkest Shores.

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children.
 
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.

Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. 
 
Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor). 

Giveaway:

https://www.audrajennings.com/2022/05/win-copy-of-midnights-budding-morrow.html

The Valet's Secret ~ Review

The Valet's Secret

By Josi S. Kilpack

Rebecca Parker never expected to be almost run off the road by a horse. But Mr. Malcolm Henry is not only apologetic but concerned about her welfare. And there is something about him that draws her to him, and this seemingly chance meeting leads Rebecca to make decisions that effect her future.  

Kenneth Winterton never wanted to be the heir to the earldom, but his cousin's unfortunate death forced him into a life his is ill prepared for. Worse his uncle is pressing him to make an advantageous match and soon. Kenneth already has two son's from his first marriage and the earldom is secure for the foreseeable future. And the ladies that are paraded before him though well suited for the roll don't inspire him to seek their hand in marriage. Only one lady has caused him to pause and she isn't a lady of rank, worse she works as a maid and would never meet his uncle's expectations. But with her he can be himself, well, mostly himself - Rebecca knows him as Mr. Malcolm Henry, valet to Lord Winterton. Ah, what a tangled web Kenneth finds himself.

To say Rebecca is more than a little hurt when the truth comes out would be a disservice to her feelings. And when the truth comes out it could not have been at a more inconvenient moment - during the serving of dinner.  

The Valet's Secret is a delightful read that looks beyond rank and status when feelings develop between a Lord and a maid. But society may have something to say when the truth comes out. But sometimes the person the world deems least likely to be the perfect match is exactly who is needed to ensure the best future possible. 

This is a twist on Cinderella - a daughter serving in the home of her father, an advantageous marriage deemed necessary, and a benefactress who could easily be a kindly godmother. The Valet's Secret is a Regency era, clean romance that is a second-chance story. 

I love this quote "There will be objections, there will be frustrations and expectations and a great deal to learn, but when two people choose to love one another and work side by side, they can build something remarkable and, in their way, they change the world. I have lived that reality. I know the possibility can be true if you can believe it for yourself.”

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A passionate kiss from a handsome valet becomes a 

Regency Cinderella story when he is revealed 

to be the heir to the earldom.

York, England, 1819

As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—Kenneth Winterton.

Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca's life does that . . . except how he feels when she is with him.

Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter ~ Review

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter

Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues #1

By Sofi Laporte

Lu has been living as her aunt's companion since the death of her parents. Her long-ago season in London was a disaster that she blames entirely on Adrian St. Addington. She's given up on being anything but a spinster, spending her days in a closed-up house with her Great Aunt Mildred and letters from her secret friend Addy. Her correspondence with Addy started by accident when a letter to a friend went to the address's newest resident rather than its former. Correspondence with a man was a social no-no but Lu was not willing to give it up. And that her correspondence was with a man she had never met was even more shocking but she longed for more than a shut-in existence. What she never expected was an opportunity to actually meet Addy face-to-face.

His correspondence with a most intriguing lady has filled his days with something delightful. Unsure of her true identity, Madame "Lu" has helped him get through the last three years. But a chance to actually meet her is something he is unsure of. Could Lu want to know him if she knew who he really was? Highly doubtful with his reputation.

But what neither is aware of is that there is an incident in their past that has linked them together though no one is aware of it. Could the past destroy what was a perfectly lovely friendship by correspondence? Or could they have something more?

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter is a delightful Regency read that is not to be missed. I love how Lu changes as the story progresses and how her growth helps those around her as well. There is an interesting situation as to who Addy is and as the story progresses it is even more interesting to see what a tangle results. 

This is the first book in what I hope will be a most enjoyable series Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues. I love the idea of an accidental letter leading to a friendship that would not have been and that it was also the catalyst for a potential happily-ever-after. This is the kind of book you want to have on hand when you are having a down day because it will leave you with more than one smile on your face as you read through it. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Lady Ludmilla Windmere, spinster extraordinaire, has a dilemma. She has fallen in love with her best friend, and that cannot be. The problem? She hasn’t met him. Not once. For they have only ever corresponded by letter. When she sets out to uncover the identity of her secret correspondent, her world shatters. For Addy turns out to be none other but London’s worst hellrake.

Adrian St.Addington, hellrake extraordinaire, has a problem. He is developing a marked tendre for a spinster, and that cannot be. The problem? He suspects she is taking him for someone he is not. Or is it that she knows precisely who he is? Either possibility he finds profoundly disturbing. For he has a role to uphold, cost what may. And a depraved heart like his surely cannot fall in love…least of all with a plain, outspoken spinster.

Determined to discover the truth behind the man she loves, Lu does what she does best: she sits down and writes a letter…


Escape into the world of the Regency ton with Sofi Laporte's new series, where spinsters are merry, rakes are charming, and no one is who they seem.

The Thief and the Nobel ~ Review

The Thief and the Noble
A Robin Hood Regency
by Dana LeCheminant

Lady Marian Russell is determined to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. She's seen the stark difference between how she lives and the poor. But how to make the difference has eluded her until she learns of a thief who redistributes his ill-gotten gains among London's downtrodden. 

Can she talk this thief into taking her on as a student? Marian is determined to convince the mysterious Robin into doing just that. How hard could it be to steal from the rich? Marian is about to find out during the swirl and fuss of her first London Season.

Robin has perfected the art of stealing from London's finest but only from the most deserving of his unique skills. He has no time for debutants and their flighty ways. But Marian Russell is different, not flighty but with an intelligent head on her shoulders. But stealthy thief not so much. 

The Thief and the Noble is a delightful Regency twist on Robin Hood. It was fun getting to know Marian and Robin and seeing how they play off of each other. The dialogue between them is engaging and keeps the story believable. There is danger from the very act of thievery but when a copycat thief begins targeting the wrong people Marian, Robin, and their "band" have to unmask this new threat. And then there is this attraction between Marian and Robin that is proving just a tad problematic in the midst of everything - as in it is starting to become a major distraction. 

This is one London Season that won't soon be forgotten and you've been invited to take part in it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As the daughter of a marquess, Lady Marian Russell is poised to impress in her first London Season. She is young, beautiful, and wealthy—but catching an eligible husband is the last thing on her mind. Marian is disillusioned with how the upper-class lives while the poor of London suffer, and she is determined to right this imbalance. When she comes face-to-face with a mysterious man who steals from arrogant aristocrats and redistributes the spoils to the poor, Marian recognizes a motivation that mirrors her own. She is determined to discover the true identity of the unscrupulous hero and offer her assistance.

When she unmasks the bandit Robin, he begrudgingly agrees to train the lovely Marian in the art of thievery in exchange for her silence, quickly realizing that his heart may be stolen next. But when they discover a copycat thief operating in London, they are faced with a foe whose purpose is far from noble. Amid distracting suitors, becoming a champion of the poor, and a growing attraction Marian can’t ignore, can she and Robin expose the renegade pilferer without risking themselves—and each other?

Summerhaven ~ Review with Excerpt and Giveaway

Summerhaven

By Tiffany Odekirk

For years Hannah Kent has dreamed of marrying Oliver Jennings. Eight years ago, Ollie promised to marry her. But the childhood promise has seemingly meant little to him as he pursues a more advantageous match. The uneasy alliance she makes with Damon Jennings to sway Ollie's sentiments back towards her is disconcerting. But Hannah is willing to do whatever it takes to win back the love she thought was hers. 

Hannah's time with Damon allows her to see someone in sharp contrast to the young boy, the young man she remembers. Could the bane of her childhood become her greatest ally? But can she genuinely fain love for the boy she despised to win back the heart of the one she always loved? There is the only way to know, and that is to agree to Damon's plan.

I liked Damon's character; he seems to be less flighty than Oliver. Damon's behavior toward Hannah is starkly different from that of Oliver's, and to be honest, I'm not sure why Hannah preferred Oliver's. Maybe it was colored by the past and her memories of it. 

There are times when I feel for Hannah as the bleakness of what she has lost overcomes her. I feel that her friendship with Amelia is one of the high points for her, though, for a time, it appears that the web she has gotten herself caught in is about to destroy even that.

Summerhaven is a book I highly recommend for anyone wanting a gentle, clean reading romance. 

I enjoyed the audio version of this book after first reading it. The narration is good; I found the pacing a little slow, so I upped the playback speed to 1.25x and found it in sync with my average reading speed. Overall this made for a second enjoyable experience with Summerhaven and Hannah's quest for a love match.

I was provided a complimentary digital copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Hannah Kent and Oliver Jennings pledged their hearts to each other as children. Now, years later, Hannah is thrilled to receive an invitation to spend the summer at Oliver’s family’s country estate. The path to wedded bliss is clear—so long as Oliver’s highbrow older brother, Damon, has ceased his juvenile antics, Hannah’s future looks bright indeed.

But from the moment Hannah arrives at Summerhaven, nothing is as she expected. Oliver seems disinterested in renewing their acquaintance, and Damon is not the brutish boy she remembers but a man intent on avoiding marriage. Although she has loathed Damon her whole life, when he contrives a ruse designed to win them both what they desire, Hannah warily agrees. All she has to do to reclaim Oliver’s attention is pretend to be madly in love with Damon. But when Damon is surprisingly convincing in his role as a suitor, it proves difficult to discern the line between pretense and true love. 

Excerpt:

Damon stepped forward, and his watch key and seal—visible reminders of his status and self-importance—clanked together. He bowed. “Miss Kent.”

“My lord,” I returned with a shallow curtsy. 

The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. “I see someone has managed to make a lady out of the wild girl I once knew,” Damon said, and before stepping back in line with his mother, he met my eye and added, “A pity.”

My eyebrows pulled together in surprise. 

“Do try not to scowl, Miss Kent. It will crease your lovely brow.”

“Damon Jennings,” Lady Winfield scolded. “You have been taught better manners.”

“My apologies, Mother. Teasing a beautiful woman is one of few things that has yet to be lectured out of me.” 

I gaped. Never in all my life had a man spoken so casually to me. Damon may have grown into a man, but he was not a gentleman.

Giveaway:

Win a paperback copy of

Summerhaven by Tiffany Odekirk

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Explorer's Daughter ~ Review

The Explorer's Daughter

The Reluctant Heirs #1

By Kate Renae

Adeline Dawson has lost everything with her father's death. Her new brother-in-law, Roger has arranged for her to stay with his family. He has plans for her and if she doesn't fulfill them she will never see her sister again.

William Wakefield is lord of Fairstone Hall and Della has been tasked with removing a possession from his home. Determined to save her sister from William's brother Della is more than a little surprised when William turns out to be different from Roger. But can she trust him with the secret she is keeping?

 The Explorer's Daughter is a delightful Regency piece that has a generous helping of mystery with a dash of romance thrown in. Adeline's introduction to Fairstone Hall is less than spectacular as she is forced to undertake the journey in less than ideal circumstances thanks to her brother-in-law. And thanks to her interactions with Roger, Della is less than comfortable in William's presence as she isn't sure just how similar he is to his brother.  But as the story progresses we get to know William better and understand what has shaped him. 

The mystery is the strongest aspect of the story and makes this debut novel and author worth reading. The story concludes with not all the questions answered by the end but I assume that they may be answered in the next book as this is the first book in a series.  I loved some of the unique twists that occur that kept the reader wondering what was going to happen next.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When Adeline Dawson arrives at Fairstone Hall, she comes with a secret. William Wakefield, the young, brooding earl who resides there, knows of Adeline only as his recent sister-in-law. But the stubborn, beautiful woman soon catches his intrigue. He’s determined to overcome his reserved manner to know her better, and Adeline is equally determined to protect her secret at all costs. A secret that could cost her everything….

Silver Bells and Secrets ~ Review

Silver Bells and Secrets: a Regency Christmas romance

Twelfth Night #1

By Laura Rollins

Grace Stewart's season in London left her feeling alone, when it ended early, so she reaches out via letter to one of the young women she met there. But when his younger sister refuses to respond to this missive searching out friendship, Lord Ezra writes to Grace instead. Grace delights in this friendship while Ezra is struck by how perfectly he and Grace get along with there likes and enjoyments.

But when Grace writes about her hopes for the upcoming Christmas season and the possibility that she may make a marriage match, Ezra realizes the perfect muddle he has made of everything. He's fallen in love with Grace and she has no idea who he is. Determined to keep Grace from making a decision that will result in her marriage to someone else, Ezra does the only thing he can - he asks that he be added to the Christmas festivities.

When a stranger arrives at the Christmas House party, Grace is more than a little surprised when he can't take his eyes off of her. Has she created some some error, made a social gaffe?  Surprised at Lord Ezra Weston's attentions, Grace is left with a quandary - does she encourage the attentions of Mr. Brown or Lord Weston? Her simple background and untitled parentage finds her beneath Ezra socially so why should he pursue her?

What follows is a delightful story of holiday romance. Could a letter written seeking out friendship end in something more? And when Grace discovers the true identity of her "friend" will she be mortified, outraged, or delighted? Ezra's time to win Grace's heart is short and factors are not in his favor.

Silver Bells and Secrets is an enjoyable story that you will want to enjoy when the hustle and bustle of holiday expectations start to get to you. Take a step back to a simpler, though not less stressful, time and allow yourself to be drawn into this quest to win the heart of his perfect match. This is a delightful way to start a series and I for one can't wait to discover the future pleasures and delights awaiting me next year in Sugar Plums and Scandal.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Grace plans to marry the host of their Christmas house party.

Ezra has only until it ends to convince her otherwise.

Lord Ezra Weston has done something incredibly stupid. Through a series of events he prefers not to consider too closely, he has begun a written correspondence with Miss Grace Stewart under the guise of being his own sister. She’s witty, considerate, and as much in need of a friend as he is. So, why not continue? That is, until Grace writes and says she’s set her cap at someone. In only a few words, Ezra realizes he hasn’t only made a friend these past many months, he’s fallen in love.

As an earl, Ezra can get himself invited to the Christmas house party hosted by Grace's would-be husband. But once there, how does he plead his case? Either he loses Grace’s trust and friendship, or he loses his one chance at happiness. But that seems only fitting, seeing as he’s already lost his heart.

The beginning of a new series by sweet historical romance author Laura Rollins, Silver Bells and Secrets will have you cuddling up by the fireplace and humming carols. This short and sweet Christmas story is packed with charming characters, hilarious capers, and a clean and wholesome romance, sure to light the Christmas spirit inside you all year round.

Twelfth Night Novellas *books can be read in any order*
~Silver Bells and Secrets
~Sugar Plums and Scandal (coming Christmas 2022)
~Mistletoe and Mischief (coming Christmas 2023)

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage ~ Review

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage

Supposed Scandal #2

By Rebecca Connolly

Lady Alexandrina Lawson is someone that Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood cannot stand. Lady Lawson's cold manner, down in the mouth expressions, and general dour comments just do nothing for him. And he is sure she thinks as ill of him as he does of her. But as any gentleman of good breeding would do he comes to her aid when a situation arises that could destroy her reputation and force her into a most undesirable marriage.

Taft's solution proves a bit over-the-top, and a marriage to Lady Lawson is their only hope of saving both their reputations and Alexandrina's chance of gaining custody of her son. Taft had no plans to marry. He knew that someday he'd have to marry and so secure an heir for his title. But marriage to a woman he hardly knew was not something he had anticipated. But he is determined to be the best husband he can be.

Her first marriage had been a disaster and she had no intention of ever again tying herself to any man. But thanks to the Earl of Harwood's efforts she finds herself with little choice in the matter - not if she is to gain her heart's desire. But Taft is not what he seems to be and she may actually stop loathing him. 

This is a delightful story that finds two people caught in a bit of a to-do learning to get along and make a life together. Taft is a wonderful, complicated individual who is worthy of his story. I loved the effort he put into his marriage and how he was such an opposite to what Alexandrina was expecting and fearing. This story will have you cheering Taft's efforts as he offers a better life to the lady he has brought into it. And Alexandrina, ugh, her previous marriage let's just say good riddance to her first husband!

Fans of Rebecca Connolly's work will love this book that can be read as a stand-alone title. This is an entertaining and delightfully sweet romance set in the Regency era. A perfect me-time read or to give as a gift. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

One good scandal deserves another...

Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.

Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.

Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.

And that he would do almost anything to claim it.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.

It is also part of the Supposed Scandal series.

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque ~ Review

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

By Todd M. Johnson

Having read the author's previous works which were not historical fiction I was interested to see how he did in this new genre. The story overall was attention-grabbing - a ship arriving at the Port of London late at night and immediately seized for acting as pirates against a French ship. The Captain declares that he was working under a Letter of Marque provided by the Crown. Hanging or deportation to a prison colony is all that Captain Harold Tuttle can look forward to in his future and his cousin and uncle could lose everything to the debt the money they invested in the venture.

With little hope of fighting the Crown and winning, Lady Madeleine Jameson seeks to secure the skills of William Snopes a barrister whom she feels is her best chance of securing her cousin's freedom and the cargo held within the holds of her seized ship.

Since he turned his back on the home of his childhood and his father's misdeeds William Snoopes has done nothing to gain the favor of London's upper-class into ranks he was born. He never fought on their behalf once he became a barrister on his own. That is until Lady Jameson managed to appeal to his sense of justice.

Now I am in no way a historical expert so as to the historical soundness of the book I can make no statement one way or the other. But I will say I found the book to be an engaging and enjoyable experience. Political intrigue, subterfuge, mystery, murder, piracy, and a coverup and little time to prepare for their day in court. I for one would love to read another book starring Barrister William Snopes.

I enjoyed this book with both a paperback and the audible version. The narration by Samuel Roukin was excellent and highly recommended. Perfect for your commute or as a companion to your daily chores. The audio pacing didn't drag and the various major characters were presented so that they were identifiable. 

I received a complimentary copy of the paperback book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion  ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he's a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.

In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter--the sole proof his actions were legal--has mysteriously vanished.

Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.

Something New ~ Review

Something New

Cornwall Brides #2

By Rebecca Connolly

Something New is the second book Cornwall Brides series and this time we follow a new couple whose marriage is a business arrangement in which our lovely bride - Miss Adelaide Dyer is less than thrilled with the arrangement her father has undertaken on her behalf. Lord Harrison Basset lives in Cornwall of all places - some out of the way hidden place of no importance. Worse she wanted a match with affection at least a possibility - with Lord Basset she never laid eyes on him until after the contract was signed.

With such a beginning one can hardly expect much in the way of a happy marriage. But one could be surprised.

This is at times a humorous read while at others it is tragic. It was interesting getting to know both Adelaide and Harrison and the community around them as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. Can love grow from disdain and resignation? Or will the looks good on paper match be that only on paper? Overall a delightful read that can be read as a standalone IF you have not yet book one - Something Old (but it is one you'll want to read later if not before).

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectation other than that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Harrison, Lord Basset, wants a simple, polite marriage of convenience. Nothing emotional or dramatic, nothing that will give him any cause for concern or strife. Arranging a match with the beautiful Miss Adelaide Dyer fits his needs perfectly, and all seems rather straightforward. Until he meets her.

Adelaide has no say in this marriage her father agreed to, but that does not mean she must submit quietly. Lord Basset might be strikingly handsome, but if he thinks to have a calm, biddable wife, he is mistaken. And as for living an uncomplicated married life in the wiles of Cornwall... Well, she would see about that.

When fire and ice come together, til death do they part, will either of them succumb to their growing attraction? Or will their mutual stubbornness keep the tension at bay?

The Ears Have It ~ Review

The Ears Have It

Agents of the Convent #2

By Rebecca Connolly

Emmeline Bartlett has a life no one knows of  - she prowls the streets of London at night. She is seeking out the darker forces that hide beneath the cloak of night, and when she has discovered all she needs she exposes them to the world through the power of the written word.  What she does exposes her to danger and in her attempt to flee it she is about to have a chance meeting of a lifetime.

Teo Mendoza has traveled to England, to London, for two purposes - to establish a partnership with British shipping interests and to learn more about his English roots and his inheritance. Wondering the streets of London he never expected to meet someone quite like Ears. She intrigues him with her clever disguises and wit. He is about to see a side of England that few ever glimpse and it will change him forever.

This is the second book in the Agents of the Covent series but it can easily be read as a standalone if you have not yet read the first book. Now this book does have several characters from some of the author's previous series make appearances (which if you have read  The London League books you will readily enjoy).  

If you are a fan of Regency fiction with all its cloak-and-dagger intrigue and romance, you will enjoy this newest offering from Rebecca Connolly. French interests are planning against the British government and their machinations could very well bring it down. This is a well-paced book with characters one can relate to.  

Another winner from Rebecca Connolly that is not to be missed.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

To see or not to see...

Emmeline Bartlett has a secret. By day, she is the polite, proper, sometimes teacher of writing and rhetoric at the prestigious Miss Masters's Finishing School. But by night, she disguises herself as the mysterious Ears, exploring and investigating the darker sides of London, writing articles about her discoveries under a pseudonym and exposing scandals. When a handsome Spaniard crosses her path, Emmeline discovers new adventures in London by night, as well as new dangers.

Teodoro de Vickers y Mendoza isn't sure what he is going to do with the title he inherited from his estranged English grandfather, but he's come to England to find out. Meeting Ears on a nighttime walk isn't part of the plan, nor is finding her intriguing, exciting, and beautiful. The further he gets into her world, the more he wonders about his own, and the less certain he is about everything.

Except for her.

Dusk's Darkest Shores ~ Review

Dusk's Darkest Shores

Regency Wallflowers #1

By Carolyn Miller

Mary Bloomfield has never caught the eye of any man and at her age, it seems she never will. And with the war with Napoleon, Amberley has even fewer men available for those in need of a husband. But she has a purpose in her life, helping her father with his medical duties to the neighborhood and surrounding area. Her caring nature calls often upon the Lord for His healing touch on the ill. Her dreams of a home and family of her own seem to be just that dreams. 

Adam Edgerton's family is anticipating his return from war, his actions have labeled him a hero and he is expected to marry soon upon his return. But none know that his return is for illness. An injury has apparently robbed Adam of his future. A future shrouded in the darkness of doubt, pain, and betrayal.

Seeking to help Adam to see beyond his new limitations, Mary reaches out offering hope and encouragement. But can he really have a future as he is now, a man surrounded by darkness for the rest of his days? Mary and her father are not about to give up on Adam.

Dusk's Darkest Shores is the first book in the Regency Wallflowers series and it is an excellent series debut. Set in England's Lake District, I loved Mary's descriptions of the area, her attention to detail shows the depth of her caring and nurturing spirit. Now there are some moments that reveal the darkness of the soul in a sinful world in this book that speak of the injustices of the world and the prejudices of human nature. This is just a thread that runs through the story and it has a different impact on the various characters and how they respond to it. I would recommend this book to teen and adult readers - it is excellent reading and continues the standard one is used to from Carolyn Miller's previous books. If you are new to her work this would be a good one to start with as it is the first in a new series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero

whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield's chances for matrimony have long since passed her by as she assists her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.

Until decorated war hero Adam Edgerton returns, not to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any hope when his dreams are wasted by his condition?

Together they struggle to find a way forward for him, and slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their hearts for answers to find any future path with happiness at its end.

Something Old ~ Review

Something Old

The Cornwall Brides #1

By Rebecca Connolly 

Lily and Thomas Granger's marriage is miserable. And the misery has slowly grown over the five years of their marriage. Though he loved Lily, he married her for the money she would bring to the marriage, and he has regretted it every day since they said their vows. But at last, he has restored all that he had lost and spent, and the time has come to win his wife's affection. There is just one problem he doesn't know how to approach her after years of silence.

Lily thought Thomas Granger had the same feelings for her that she had for him. At least that's what she assumed before he approached her father and made a business arrangement for her hand in marriage. When Lily walked down the aisle, she did so with the hope that her marriage would grow into love. The five years since have instead grown into long silences and absences. Her marriage is slowly breaking her, and she has become trapped in her despair. Until Thomas asked her to join him in London.

But London isn't the answer, as Thomas quickly realizes that the only hope of finding what he seeks is a break from everything familiar.

Can Cornwall help Thomas rediscover the love he has hidden away? 

Something Old is the first book in The Cornwall Brides series, and it takes the reader on a journey.  A journey to recapture the promise of love that was lost. To remake a marriage that has become nothing more than a coupling of names. But how does one find love that has been denied and squelched? This is the answer that Thomas and Lily must discover if they have hope for the future. Can they make a change that lasts? Or will they return to the staid existence they once had when they return to their normal life? Only time and determination will tell.

This is a book that fans of Regency Romance will delight to read and reread. Thomas and Lily are both characters that one can readily empathize with and root for as they fight for what they truly want. I highly recommend this book and would say it is on the clean side of the romance factor unless you are opposed to kissing in your books.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

From this day forward...

Thomas Granger has been married to his wife Lily for five years. The marriage has been proper, but without much affection, and the fault for that lays squarely on his own shoulders. He married her for her fortune and has hidden his true feelings until he felt redeemed enough to truly love her. Now his fortunes have been salvaged, so he aims to take the next major step in his life: wooing his wife.

Lily has been living with a broken heart from the day she married Thomas. What hope she had for a marriage of love has long faded, and she sees no reason to dream otherwise. When Thomas asks that she come with him to Cornwall to try a new adventure together, she takes the chance on one last hope in finding love in her marriage. Wrapped in the beauties and magic that only Cornwall can provide, she finds new life breathed into her, and into her feelings for her husband.

When their walls come down, when their pretense is gone, will they find the love each of them has sought? Or will the life they have known be all that remains?